According to Chancellor Carol Folt, this is the first known time that the university has taken steps to rescind an honorary degree.

"In this case, Cosby's acts were so counter to our campus values that this prestigious honor is no longer appropriate," she said in a statement. "The University has no tolerance for sexual assault, and we have worked diligently in recent years to comprehensively revise our sexual assault and misconduct policy and enhance resources for our community."